Gliederung

Objective: Brain metastases are a common complication in malignant melanoma. The prognosis is usually poor. The aim of the current study was to retrospectively evaluate neurosurgically treated patients with cerebral metastases of malignant melanoma (CMMM) with respect to clinical presentation, recurrent disease, survival and factors affecting survival.

Methods: 34 patients (19 f / 15 m) with CMMM were treated between 2000 and 2010. Patient data was analysed with respect to clinical factors, outcome and prognosis. Mean age at time of diagnosis of a CMMM was 58 years (32–80 years). 22 patients (64.7%) had a single CMMM, whereas 12 patients (35.3%) showed two or more CMMM. Survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier-method and factors affecting prognosis were evaluated using the Mantel-Cox log rank test.

Conclusions: After primary diagnosis of a CMMM, the number of CMMM was the only factor affecting overall survival in our population. After diagnosis of an intracranial relapse, systemic progression, KPS and local treatment were shown to influence outcome. Even though prognosis is poor, in selective patients with a good performance status and isolated intracranial relapse, local retreatment can be justified.